An older adult patient who reports difficulty breathing and a productive cough and has a low-grade fever is admitted to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Which new-onset symptom should take priority?
a. Fatigue
b. Confusion
c. Blood-tinged sputum
d. Crackles on lung auscultation
ANS: B
New onset confusion in a patient with respiratory symptoms is a sign of impaired gas exchange. It must be corrected immediately. A. C. D. Crackles, blood-tinged sputum, and fatigue are all important but are not the first priority.
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